Honour is done to one of those whom it is due as the authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, named the proposed university’s Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy after statesman and internationally acclaimed diplomat, Chief Emeka Anyaoku
It was encomium galore at the well attended, colourful event at the institution’s auditorium. The dignitaries at the event where thethird Secretary-General of the Commonwealth has his name immortalized includes; Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, former head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma, former Minister of External Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd), who chaired the ceremony, former President General of Ohaneze, Professor Joe Irukwu, incumbent President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nnia Nwodo, former Ambassador to the US, Professor George Obiozor, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu, Eze (Prof) Vincent Ike; Eze Obosi (Anyaoku’s community), Igwe Chidubem Iweka, former Pro-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi and traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu. Captains of industry including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, among others, were represented.
The Institute, which would house such facilities as an e-library, a 50-room guest house, standard lecture halls, auditorium, among others, would cost N1.5 billion. It is being sited at a choice area in the expansive university ground. Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, while welcoming guests said the idea to establish the institute was borne out of the need to preserve the legacies Chief Anyaoku achieved during his lifetime.
